BOSTON -- Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle will rejoin the team Wednesday night in Boston, according to a team source.

Boyle is expected to be on the ice at TD Garden Thursday for the team's morning skate. It will be the first time Boyle steps on the ice since being hit from behind and into the boards by the Blues' Maxim Lapierre on October 16 in St. Louis. Lapierre was suspended five games for the hit.

Although he won't play against the Bruins, Boyle's return to the team can only be viewed as a positive development as he recovers from being knocked out on the ice for several minutes and leaving on a stretcher against the Blues.

The Sharks continue a five-game road swing on Thursday in Boston. They visit Montreal on Saturday and Ottawa on Sunday.